Thank you everyone, for Christmas on the Mountain! It was a truly amazing fund-raising event.

Our Christmas tree-trimming competition attracted hundreds of visitors from all over Pictou County and beyond. In all, over 600 people came to Fitzpatrick Mountain to admire, touch and photograph all of beautifully trimmed trees. More importantly, and in the true Spirit of Christmas, over $4100 was raised for charities in the area, thanks to the voting dollars of individual visitors and the overwhelming support and fund-raising activities of participating businesses.

And when all the votes were in, the tree from Rita’s Cosy Corner Restaurant in New Glasgow was the most popular tree on the mountain. The staff raised over $1000 for their favourite charity and the local business received $500 from Stonehame toward their next special event, meeting or function at the lodge.

It was a great few days at Stonehame. And if the response we have received is any indication, Christmas on the Mountain just could become an annual event.

One of many entries in Christmas on the Mountain (J.Smith photo).

Another beautifully decorated tree (J.Smith photo).

The winning tree from Rita's Cozy Corner Restaurant (J.Smith photo).

A major snow storm heralded in the New Year in Nova Scotia and with it, a host of winter activities at Stonehame Lodge and Chalets. Our location on Fitzpatrick Mountain, Scotsburn, Pictou County tends to attract greater snow fall accumulations than other operations at lower elevations in the province.  Stonehame features several winter recreational activities to keep your heart pumping and your family fit.

Experience some of the best trails in Nova Scotia where you can snowshoe, cross-country ski or hike the trails (at your own pace). The ‘pond’ next to the lodge is always good for a pickup hockey game or a family skate. And the open fields of Fitzpatrick Mountain are the perfect downhill setting for sledding, tobogganing or snowmobiling.

Your family will love these outdoor winter adventures. Add some hot chocolate, a cozy chalet with a mountain view and well..winter in Nova Scotia can be great fun.. for anyone!

Snow piled high at Stonehame.

Photo taken by Facebook Fan, Debbie White. Nice composition.

Our horses don’t seem to mind the snow at all.

Grooming the trails.

Rock Maple Retreat is the newest addition to Stonehame.

View from the trail.

The view from our chalets.

Just before Christmas, Nova Scotia singer/song writer, Dave Gunning (and backup guitarist, Jamie Robinson) sang and played to a sold out concert at Stonehame Lodge & Chalets. The concert, one of the premier events at Stonehame in 2009, featured a traditional Christmas dinner (with all the fixin’s) including turkey, stuffing and homemade dessert.

The Gunning concert was a real hit with all those who attended, many of whom had driven several hours to see Gunning perform songs from his new CD, ‘We’re All Leaving’. One of the songs, ‘Smith’s Rock’, is a tribute to the hard working farmers who originally settled the area in and around Fitzpatrick Mountain, Pictou County. The rock (with commemorative plaque) is located near the entrance to Stonehame.

Gunning’s ‘We’re All Leaving’ was recently listed among the Top 10 ‘roots’ CD’s in Canada for 2009. Well done, Dave!

Couple enjoying Christmas Dinner at the concert.

Gunning and Robinson performing.

All is ready for the event.

Our staff were busy during the concert.

In October we held our first ever Fall Photo Contest for the best image of Fitzpatrick Mountain. The mountain has a interesting history and of course, is the location of Stonehame Lodge and Chalets at Scotsburn, Nova Scotia. There were nearly $900 in prizes to be won many of them donated by local merchants. Here are the winners of the contest (and their winning entries):

First Place Winner: Barbara Fox of Halifax, Nova Scotia

Second Place Winner: Caroline MacKinnon of Pictou County, Nova Scotia

Third Place Winner: Jeanette Gormley of Pictou County, Nova Scotia

Fourth Place Winner: Ken Kingston & Marie van Vonderen of Afton Station, Nova Scotia

Fifth Place Winner: Sonny & Amy Rose Woolley